All referees affiliated with FIFA have a designated referee grade. Most referees begin their career as USSF Grade 8, entry level, (grade refers to referee level, not school grade) which allows them to officiate youth travel games. After more experience and testing, referees can move "up" to higher grade levels 7, 6, 5 etc. The grade indicates the qualification of the referee to officiate at various levels of local, national and international soccer competition. There is a common misconception that these grades are related to elementary or secondary school grades - they are not, they are assigned by USSF. For more information on USSF referee grades go to: www.usyouthsoccer.org/referees/gradesexplained

HOW TO BECOME A NEWLY CERTIFIED USSF GRADE 8 ("YELLOWSHIRT") REFEREE (earning a 2018 badge):

Age Requirement:candidate must be 13 years old by December 31 of 2018 for a 2019 badge.

Grass Roots Entry level grade 8 (this is the referee level, NOT school grade) "Yellowshirt" testing is currently:OPEN until August 31st, 2018.

TO REGISTER & TAKE TESTS, go to the CT State Referee Program (CSRP) website: www.ctreferee.net

Testing consists of an online course and test, and an In-Class/Field session.

Cost for the entire certification program is $93.95 plus uniform fees (approx $80).

EXISTING "YELLOWSHIRTS" ANNUAL RE-CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Yellowshirt referees are expected to re-certify each year. GO TO WWW.CTREFEREE.NET

Re-certification testing is currently CLOSED expecting to open in late August 2018.

DO NOT LET YOUR CERTIFICATION LAPSE! If you do not re-certify, you will need to go through the entire entry level certification process again and pay the fee of $93.95. If you do not re-certify, you will not be able to work travel games in 2018.

TO WORK GAMES IN WESTPORT

To work in Westport, ALL referees must register as a referee on the WSA website: westportsoccer.org > Referees > Referee Youth (or Adult) Registration. Once you register, your referee assignor will will then send you instructions on how to receive game assignments through assignr.com and payment through Chase QuickPay. Please allow up to a week for a response from the assignor.

Notes on Referee Shirts for Travel & Premier
The gold shirt (known as a "yellow shirt") with black stripes is the preferred shirt. If there is a conflict with team colors, the black, red, blue, or green shirts with black stripes may be used when both the gold and black shirts conflict with team colors.

Everyone should make every effort to wear the uniform properly and look professional.